"Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending of oneself that one becomes rich" - Sarah Bernhardt I am a "young" 55 year old. Right now I'm "fat and sassy" but soon I'll be "mean and lean". More than looking good at a lower weight, my quest for a healthy lifestyle is tantamount to my living. I have a chronic illness, a lung disorder for which there is no cure except for a lung transplant. To be eligible for the transplant I have to be at least 50 pounds lighter. ...

"Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending of oneself that one becomes rich" - Sarah Bernhardt I am a "young" 55 year old. Right now I'm "fat and sassy" but soon I'll be "mean and lean". More than looking good at a lower weight, my quest for a healthy lifestyle is tantamount to my living. I have a chronic illness, a lung disorder for which there is no cure except for a lung transplant. To be eligible for the transplant I have to be at least 50 pounds lighter. Actually, more like 70 pounds as I am to be within 10% of my ideal body weight which would make it around 150 pounds. So I have to do this. Exercise is the part of the weight loss equation that is very difficult and the results are less than stellar. Because of my oxygen requirement, I will not be able to run or even walk really fast. So getting an equivalent calorie deficit that is usually associated with cardio takes me twice to three times as long to obtain and again hampers the weight loss. I 'm therefore dependent upon lowering my calorie intake to the minimum coupled with the exercise to realize minor losses. Of course, for me that means that I am a little hungry trying to stay around 1200 calories, most of the time not succeeding very well. (whine, whine, whine)

I want to live a fruitful and purposeful life and see my children grow up to be productive adults and I want to see their children grow up to be productive adults and beyond.

I am also recommitted to living the best life I can. I have a number of things I want to accomplishment and I know that I can do all of these things with a plan and faith and commitment to my goals. I thank sparkpeople for helping me to get my life in order, prioritize my activities, make the necessary changes to a lifetime of healthy eating and living, and living connected and in harmony with the universe and the master of the universe.

I really plan, starting today (this is updated as of 5/25/08) to use the resources of spark people to become committed to my goals and become real with myself about the journey I have to take. My blogging will be ..oh my God!!..

Updated 6/09: The Journey Continues. Currently at 194 lbs. Who would have thunk? When I started this journey, I did not see myself getting this far. Now, I see the reality which is that I can get to a healthy weight and meet my medical challenges head on. One day at a time and the whole world opens up to us.

Our Greatest Fear by Marianne Williamson

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. God has given you the tools and placed you here at this time to achieve something great. To make a difference. Today the road of promise stretches before you. The mission is clear; To make your life the extraordinary work of art it can be if youíll just put your heart into it and believe in yourself. Itís up to you.

My Program:
Started on 9/4/06. Took a hiatus for a few months in 2007 resulting in regaining some lost weight. My Program now: 1)Fast Break: Eliminate soft drinks; get 7-8 hours of sleep; read inspirational material, meditate and resume prayer life. 2) Eliminate processsed food 3) Weigh and measure food. 4) Increase fresh fruit and vegetables (including joining a food coop) 5) Keep healthy snacks prepared for the munchies 6) Stay focused and motivated by visiting sp and tracking meals and reading/pariticpating in boards. Exercise program: Work out at Duke U's Center for living 4 days per week. Change my routine each 4 weeks. Do some at home exercise on 3 days off from CFL.

Personal Information:
I live in Durham, North Carolina.

Other Information:
I am an avid reader. I read fiction and non fiction. I work out three days a week with a pulmonary rehab group at Duke University''s Center for Living where I''m monitored on oxygen. I am a widow and have 2 beautiful, wonderfully amazing children. My son graduated from college May 09. Halleleuja! My daughter is in college parttime. They both are my life and make me very happy. I now have a grandson, Elijah, who is the joy of my life.

Just stopped by to say hello. I saw on the "what are your goals in 2011" that you also want to write more... I was kinda wondering what kind of writing you do. I journal and would like to write young adult fiction.